Aromatic shrub, 0.3-1 m high. Fl. purple, Jul to Dec. Sand, loam, clay ,gravel. Often on road verges.
General Biology. Growth form. Shrub. Reproduction. Seed. Dispersal. Wind, water, birds, soil movement, garden refuse. Time to first flowering. 2 to 3 years. Vegetative regeneration strategy. Resprouts from the crown. Seedbank persistence. Long. Fire response. Hot fire may kill adult plants and destroy some soil stored seed. Plants will resprout following cooler fires. Prolific seed germination can follow fire.
Notes. Seeding is prolific on larger plants.
Additional information. Origin. Mediterranean region. History of use/introduction. Garden escape.
Suggested method of management and control. Hand pull or dig out small plants ensuring you remove all root material. Try cut and paint with 50% glyphosate. Spray regrowth in spring. Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your situation or state.
Calendar Type | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Flowering | O | O | O | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | |||||
Fruiting | O | O | O | O | Y | Y | Y | ||||||
Germination | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | any time after rain |
Active Growth | O | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | O | |||||
Optimum Treatment | O | Y | Y | Y | O |
Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.